The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s largest Black LGBT advocacy organization, is now urging the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service (CRS) and Civil Rights Division, in addition to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, to launch an immediate investigation into Champion’s death as a possible anti-gay hate crime.

Champion’s death is unfortunate reminder of the need for measures that foster inclusive environments for all students, like NBJC’s recent initiative that seeks to promote LGBT competency at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—Florida A&M being one of the nation’s oldest and largest HBCUs.

“Mr. Champion is one of our own and his death will not be in vain,” says NBJC executive director Sharon Lettman-Hicks in a statement. “That is why I am calling on the Black and LGBT communities to join NBJC in demanding a fair and thorough investigation. Be it hazing or hate crime, justice must be served.”

NBJC recently launched an online petition urging the Department of Justice to begin a fair and thorough investigation today. Sign the petition here.

GLAAD is working closely with the National Black Justice Coalition to raise visibility around this case. We offer our deepest condolences to Robert Champion Jr.’s parents and family.

Channing Tatum will present writer, producer, director, and philanthropist Roland Emmerich with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on March 21, 2015, it was announced today.

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